Chapter 637: He felt he could remain in her embrace forever; his love was too profound for words. Alicia, overwhelmed by frustration, felt the urge to strike him.

"No!" she sharply rejected. She wasn't easily swayed. "Propose properly, not like this."

But Caden persisted. He had planned a grand, dazzling proposal, yet in that moment, he craved her immediate acceptance. He felt a dramatic gesture was necessary to prove their love.

"Say yes," he urged, his voice authoritative, his demeanor brooking no refusal.

Alicia bit her lip, clutching his arm, her head shaking in resistance. Caden's expression soured.

"Alicia, say yes. Come on."

"No…" she responded softly. Caden paused, then playfully wrapped a tie around her ankle. Her legs remained wrapped around his waist, effectively immobilizing her.

Fear and confusion washed over Alicia. "Caden… what are you doing?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Caden appeared strained, beads of sweat on his forehead, his breathing heavy. "If you don't agree, I won't back down," he argued, tightening the knot.

Alicia found herself unable to escape. She screamed in desperation, "Go to hell! Let me go!" Deep down, she had accepted his proposal, but refused to admit it, even as her voice grew hoarse.

Ultimately, Caden's resolve softened, and he released her, receiving no answer. Exhausted, Alicia lay there, her quiet sobs filling the room, each one shaking her body.

Caden tenderly stroked her reddened ankle and frowned. "Why won't you marry me?"

Alicia hid her face in the pillow, ignoring him. Turning her to face him, Caden intended to demand an answer, but the marks on her skin halted him. He conceded he had been wrong.

After gentle persuasion, Alicia finally rested against him. Both were tired, sleep elusive. Alicia was still upset.

"Caden, that kind of joke isn't funny at all. Please don't tease me like that again," she complained.

Caden paused, exhaustion slowing his speech. "Who said I was joking?" he countered.